A DRUG dealer was warned yesterday that he faces jail over his hidden stash of heroin worth nearly £1,000.

Police found the drugs hidden about Jason Plunkett's body and his underpants during a strip search at his home and claimed it was for his own use.

Prosecutor Tom Mitchell told Teesside Crown Court that Plunkett's income was just £100 a fortnight sickness benefit.

A jury yesterday found Plunkett guilty of possession of a Class A drug on August 26 last year with intent to supply it.

Judge George Moorhouse told him: "Anyone who deals in drugs faces going to jail for a long time."

Mr Mitchell told the judge that Plunkett, of Vicarage Drive, Marske by Sea, had 21 previous convictions going back to 1986.

Plunkett was remanded in custody until Monday when he will also be sentenced for a another offence.